The summer of 2004 saw a great spiritual revival among the youths in Britain as 10,000 young people were involved in over 420 community projects co-organised by 772 London's churches between 26th July and 6th August. Now almost one year has passed, yet, this remarkable mission - SOULINTHECITY - has not ended. In contrast, it has become an impetus for a long-term youth mission in London to be revived and set up firmly.
This summer, the mission is expected to be passed on to even more youngsters in the capital. Soul Survivors 2005, a five-day event which mixes thousands of young people, stacks of tents, worship, teaching, ministry, cafes, seminars, gigs and dance venues, is designed to help people move forward in their relationship with Jesus.
Every morning there will be meetings for worship, teaching and ministry while the afternoon session will focus on a wide range of topics relevant to different people at different life stages. During the evenings, the day will end with worship and prayers.
Throughout the event this year, the 'Soul Survivors' aims to focus on "To the ends of the earth" to inspire youth to tell everyone about Jesus all over the world.
Prominent evangelical and youth ministries leaders are invited as keynote speakers, such as Pastor Jonathan Oloyede of Gloryhouse, Patrick Regan and Mike Pilavachi of XLP Youth Ministries, evangelist J John and many others, among them is also the founder of the SOULINTHECITY mission.
At the venue, there will also be cafes to suit different tastes, gig and dance venues, a skate park, sports programme, and Soul Survivors’ cinema.
Soul Survivors 2005 will be held at the Royal Bath and West Showgrounds, Shepton Mallet, near Bath in Somerset, BA4 6QN. It has provided two different dates for participants to arrange time flexibly. Week A will be running from Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th August while Week B will be running from Saturday 20th to Wednesday 24th August.
Currently, many churches across London which were involved in SOULINTHECITY mission 2004, have continued to join together regularly and proclaim the message of the gospel.
SOULINTHECITY mission has been holding training days and partnering with churches all over the capital to encourage them to impact their communities. A special prayer initiative offered for mission and social affairs in London has also been unceasing.
Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance UK (EAUK) commented, "SOULINTHECITY will bring practical care and Christian hope to London."
"This is a tremendous example of Christians connecting directly with the local community. Jesus did that. I believe he is smiling on this initiative," Commissioner Shaw Clifton, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army, UK and Republic of Ireland welcomed the mission.
The third most senior leader of the Church of England, Bishop of London Rt Rev Richard Chartres expressed his appreciation, "SOULINTHECITY harnesses the energy and the enthusiasm of thousands of young people to give a kiss of life to London 2004. I am excited by the potential of an event, which aims to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit - love and joy and peace - all in action rather than rhetoric."
For further details about SOULINTHECITY, Soul Survivors and many other mission initiative, please visit the website http://www.soulsurvivor.com/uk/homepage.asp.
